- Details
- By Elyse Wild
An affidavit filed on April 1 by Choctaw Lighthorse Police Investigator Alena Bran includes interviews with half a dozen victims, referred to as “Victim 1-6” to protect their identities. All of the victims are employees of Choctaw Nation.
The affidavit paints a picture of a pattern of abuse occurring in 2024 and 2025. In an interview with Brant, Victim 1 describes Perry as picking her up when she stepped off a scale to weigh herself before grabbing her buttocks.
Victim 2 details Perry trying to pull up her dress twice in one day. Victims 3 and 4 both stated that the former councilman put his hands down their shirts. Victim 5 detailed Perry frequently coming into her office to “grab on her,” and asking her for pictures of herself while talking about her body. During one incident, according to the affidavit, he ran his fingers across her vaginal area. A sixth victim claimed Perry grabbed her buttocks while she was working.
Brant and Lt. Tony Krebbs met with Perry on March 28 at the Choctaw Nation Community Center to discuss the accusations. During the meeting, Perry admitted to the wrongdoing, stating, “I just grabbed her ass,” when asked about Victim 1; and “Well, yeah,” when asked about Victim 4.
In a written statement released on May 8, Choctaw Nation Senior Executive Officer John Hobbs said,
“The Choctaw Nation is dedicated to providing a safe environment in which all members of our community can work without fear or threat of harassment, and we take these types of allegations seriously. This case is currently moving through our judicial system, so we are unable to comment further.”
Each count of sexual battery, if convicted, carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A preliminary hearing will be held on June 28.
Because there was more than one year remaining in Perry’s term, the Choctaw Nation is holding a special election to fill the now vacant seat. Seven candidates have filed to run. The election will be held on July 12.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Photographs of the Homecoming of the Three Fires Powwow
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
